PM says no federal funding guaranteed on projects

Live export supporters and protesters outside the federal community cabinet.

ABC News: Samia O'Keefe

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard says there is no guarantee the WA Premier will receive the federal funding he needs to fulfil key election promises on time.

The Premier Colin Barnett says he will ask the Commonwealth to pay for about half of the promised MAX light rail system, the airport rail line and Perth to Darwin Highway projects.

Ms Gillard says the Premier will have to apply for the money like everyone else, and the outcome is not guaranteed.

"Premier Barnett cannot make any promise relating to federal funds," she said.

"We're very much focused on the infrastructure needs of WA but we do that in a proper way, through rigorous assessments.

"Premier Barnett would have to go through those proper assessment processes.

"Now I can't tell you what the outcome of proper rigorous assessment processes would be, he needs to put forward his proposals."

Mr Barnett has previously conceded the projects will take longer to build if the Commonwealth does not contribute.

He says they will certainly go ahead, regardless of Commonwealth funding.

"However, I have no doubt that the Federal Government, whether it be a Labor or Coalition government, will support these projects," he said.

"Most major projects in WA, for example the roadworks around Perth Airport and the sinking of the rail line through the centre of Perth, are being built with federal contributions of anywhere between 30 per cent and 80 per cent.

"Of course there will be negotiations on the details and these will be ongoing over the next year or so."